Northern Ireland

Council of Europe raises doubts over legality of British Legacies Bill

The body which runs the European Court of Human Rights issued the decision on British plans for immunity from Troubles related crimes

Bereaved families from the North protesting in London against proposed legislation offering immunity to all killings during the Troubles. Picture: Andy Rain/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

The Council of Europe has reprimanded the British government over its plans for legal immunity for crimes committed during the Troubles.

The Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill was introduced to the British parliament earlier this month and aims to provide immunity from prosecution for anyone who cooperates with a new information recovery body, as well as bringing to an end all other legal proceedings concerning Troubles-related conduct to make way for an information ...